Karate developed from the indigenous martial arts of Ryukyu Islands (called te (手), literally "hand"; tii in Okinawan) under the influence of Chinese martial arts, particularly Fujian White Crane.  Karate is now predominantly a striking art using punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes and open hand techniques such as knife-hands, spear-hands, and palm-heel strikes. Historically and in some modern styles grappling, throws, joint locks, restraints, and vital point strikes are also taught.  A karate practitioner is called a karateka (空手家).

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate

karate